Biology study enclosure

ABSTRACT

An enclosure for the study of biology including a generally rectangular casing having a front access door, a space at the bottom of the enclosure arranged to receive a fan or cooling unit, with air therefrom being delivered through vertical ducts at the enclosure sides, the enclosure also being suitable for photoperiodic use by virtue of having fluorescent lights therein at different levels arranged to deliver light in different spectral ranges.

United States Patent inventors Donald E. Ott;

Arthur W. Carlson, both of Muskegon, Mich.

July 10, 1969 June 15, 1971 E. 11. Sheldon & Company Muskegon, Mich.

Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee BIOLOGY STUDY ENCLOSURE 4 Claims, 20 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 312/126, 312/128, 312/209, 312/223, 312/236, 47/16, 119/37, 219/405, 219/218, 250/51 Int. Cl. A471 3/ 14, AOlg 31/02 Field ofSearch 119/31, 37,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,325,834 12/1919 Khotinsky 219/385 X 1,535,465 4/1925 l-lackman 17/16 1,827,530 10/1931 Le Grand 250/50 X 3,276,163 10/1966 Oepen et al... 47/1.2 3,447,892 6/1969 Watson et a1. 250/51 X FOREIGN PATENTS 325,824 2/1930 Great Britain 250/51 473,279 10/1937 Great Britain 47/1.2

Primary ExaminerVolodymyr Y. Mayewsky Attorney-Dawson, Tilton, Fallon & Lingmus ABSTRACT: An enclosure for the study of biology including a generally rectangular casing having a front access door, a space at the bottom of the enclosure arranged to receive a fan or cooling unit, with air therefrom being delivered through vertical ducts at the enclosure sides, the enclosure also being suitable for photoperiodic use by virtue of having fluorescent lights therein at different levels arranged to deliver light in different spectral ranges.

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AT'H )RNEYS BIOLOGY STUDY ENCLOSURE BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION In the past there have been available cases for the study of plants and animals, but for the first time there is available through the invention a multipurpose unit which in each application provides substantial and novel advantages over what has gone before. This is particularly true insofar as the means for controlling the environment is concerned, be the unit used as a climatarium, an animal care center, or an aviary.

DETAILS OF DESCRIPTION The invention is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view of the inventive unit equipped for use as a climatarium;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but of the unit equipped for use as an animal care center;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view (like FIGS. 1 and 2) of the inventive unit, but equipped for use as an aviary;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cooling unit adapted to be installed in any one of the foregoing units;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the unit of FIG. 1, and corresponds to the view seen along the line 5-5 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view through the FIG. 1 unit, and corresponds to the view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the superstructure depicted in plan as FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the superstructure seen in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the locking panel with which the superstructure of FIG. 9 is equipped when installed in the unit;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the locking panel of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a wiring diagram for equipment used in conjunction with the climatarium of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view ofthe control panel of the climatarium unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the control panel of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a wiring diagram associated with an insertable light tray employable in conjunction with the climatarium unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a wiring diagram for the equipment associated with the units of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3;

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the control panel ofthe FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 unit;

FIG. 18 is a rear elevational view of the control panel of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an insertable light tray employed in conjunction with the climatarium of FIG. I; and

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the light tray of FIG. 19. Referring now to FIG. I, the numeral 21 designates generally a rectangular enclosure which, in the specific illustration given, is equipped for use as a climatarium. As such, it permits students to evaluate behavior of plant life, particularly for photoperiodism, phototropism, photosynthesis, and germination.

The numeral 22 designates the sidewalls which, with the rear wall 23, form an enclosure closed by a front door 24. The numeral 25 designates a superstructure wherein certain controls are provided, while the numeral 26 generally refers to a bottom enclosure closed by louvers. The control panel itselfis designated by the numeral 27.

The brief description just given defines the basic unit which is also employed for an animal care unit generally designated 121 and seen in FIG. 2. In similar fashion, the basic unit may be used for an aviary, which is generally designated 221 and is seen in FIG. 3. In each case, the lower space 26 (behind the central louvers 28) may be employed to accommodate a fan or preferably a cooling unit as seen in FIG. 4. When employed, the cooling unit 29 is installable centrally horizontally of the base 26, i.e., behind the center louvers, the cooling unit 29 being of modular construction so as to be installable when desired. The entire unit is based upon modular construction, and this can be appreciated from a consideration of FIG. 6. The lower space 26 in FIG. 6 is seen to be equipped with an upper sloping wall 30 which accommodates a cooling unit 29 and provides thereabove a plenum 31 for air to be delivered to the portion of the unit behind the doors 24. Tempered air is caused to flow upwardly through ducts 32 and through slots 33 in the interior sidewalls so as to condition the interior of the enclosure. Return air exits through slots 34 and downwardly through ducts 35. The enclosure is divided by a vertical center wall 36 into two interior chambers which permit several studies to be carried on simultaneously. Aiding in this is the fact that all of the interior-facing walls (as of the ducts, center wall 36, rear wall, etc.) are made of reflective material, and the glass provided in the doors 24 also reflects light.

Each of the units of FIGS. 13 is equipped with a pair of pullout trays 37 constituting the bottom of the study enclosures, so that any spilled water or other material is readily removable.

Each unit-whether it be equipped for one use or another of the character indicated in FIGS. 1 and 3provides storage space behind the end louvers 28a (see FIG. 1). Further, each unit is equipped with a superstructure of the character seen in FIGS. 7-9, the principal difference between the superstructures for the different units residing in the control systems. Each superstructure 25 provides a grill 38 suitably framed by upstanding walls as at 39 (see FIG. 8) so as to provide means for connection to a fan (not shown). When the refrigeration unit 29 of FIG. 4 is not employed, a fan can be associated with the superstructure 25 to remove air from the interior of the enclosure, the same being replaced by air flowing in through the ducts 32. In any event, the superstructure 25 is equipped with a pivotal locking panel 40 which closes the front aperture 41, and which may be equipped with a locking device as at 42 (see FIG. I) so that access to the control is limited while still permitting ready visual ascertainment of the condition of the control system.

In the case of the animal care unit seen in FIG. 2, we provide a series of wire trays 143 which are positionable vertically within the unit by virtue of being engaged with support racks 44. In similar fashion, with respect to the aviary 221 seen in FIG. 3, we provide a plurality of perches 243 which are likewise positionably supported by the ledges 44. In the case of the climatarium of FIG. I, light trays 43 are supported by the ledge-providing means 44, and the light tray 43 can be seen in large perspective view in FIG. 19.

The light tray 43 of FIG. 19 is itself a generally rectangular framework 45 which supports a plurality of fluorescent lights 46. Each light 46 is wired in the fashion seen in FIG. 20, and, in particular, is equipped with a ballast 47. The ballast 47 constitutes a source of heat additional to the heat developed from the tubes themselves. Thus, no supplemental heating unit is required, and a balance can be effected between the fan or cooling unit and the heat generated by the fluorescent lights to maintain a desired temperature. It will be appreciated that the climatarium is equipped with top lights as at 48, but relatively if no heat from the ballast associated with those lights is delivered to the interior of the enclosure. In the operation of the unit it is contemplated that fluorescent tubes of different color will be employed in different trays, ceiling mount, etc., so as to provide light in different spectral ranges, thereby enabling the students to determine the effects of such different light. Further, with the arrangement illustrated, it is possible to run several experiments simultaneously, independent of time, with different lighting so as to give the students the benefit of several different types of experiment within the limited time of a school year. In the past, it was necessary to run one set of experiments to completion before another could be initiated.

In this connection, maximum flexibility is provided by the control system featured in FIGS. 12-15. Referring now to FIG. 12, the typical ladder-type of wiring diagram is presented which is arranged to operate on conventional current, i.e., l 15 volts AC applied across the top of the ladder. A main switch 48 is provided along with the usual fuse 49. A double-pole, single-throw switch 50 is provided to permit operation either on manual or via a timer 51. The diagram of FIG. 12 indicates that four light trays 43 are installed in the circuit, each with an individual switch 52, 53, 54, and 55. The switches 54 and 55 are associated with the light trays on one side of the unit, and are under the control of a manual timer switch 56 and timer 57. Each of the timers 51 and 57 is operated by a clock motor 58 and 59, with the timer movement being controlled by dial controls 60 and 61. Each of the light trays has a pilot signal light associated therewith, as, for example, the element 61 in FIGS. l214. A control 62 is provided on the front panel for regulating a thermostat 63, which in turn can control either a fan motor 64 or a refrigeration unit 65, the choice being determined by a manual switch 66.

In FIG. 15, a diagram of a supplemental tray wiring circuit is presented where a switch 67 is selectively positionable to actuate one group of four lights as at 68, or the other group of four lights 69. In any event, the light trays are apertured as at 70 (see FIG. to permit air to flow therethrough and achieve the necessary circulation for maintaining a predetermined temperature.

In the case of the animal care center 121 and the aviary 221, the control circuit seen in FIGS. 16-18 is employed. Again, line voltage is employed and controlled through a switch 171 for powering a fan 172, the operation of which is indicated by a pilot light 173. An additional switch 174 is employed to turn the interior light 175 on for suitable illumination. A thermostat 176 is included in the circuit for delivering current either to a heating portion 177, or a cooling portion 178. The switch for heating or cooling is designated 179 and is operable from the front of the unit.

We claim:

1. Biological study equipment comprising a rectangular cabinet having rear, bottom, top and sidewalls and having a front equipped with transparent doors and providing a hollow interior chamber, fluorescent light means mounted at the top of said chamber for delivering light in two spectral ranges, spaced tray support means in said chamber, at least one tray on one of said support means intermediate the height of said chamber and equipped with a transverse panel, fluorescent light tubes below said panel and carried in the bottom of said tray for delivering light in a third spectral range in a direction below said tray, and control means operatively connected with said chamber for selectively controlling the light means whereby a plurality of biological experiments can be performed simultaneously, the interior surfaces of said walls are formed of light-reflective material.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said fluorescent light means are provided with ballast means for heating said chamber.

3. The structure of claim 2 in which said panel is provided with airflow apertures.

4. The structure of claim 1 in which said tray is provided with an upstanding perimetric lip forming sides enclosing said light tubes. 

1. Biological study equipment comprising a rectangular cabinet having rear, bottom, top and sidewalls and having a front equipped with transparent doors and providing a hollow interior chamber, fluorescent light means mounted at the top of said chamber for delivering light in two spectral ranges, spaced tray support means in said chamber, at least one tray on one of said support means intermediate the height of said chamber and equipped with a transverse panel, fluorescent light tubEs below said panel and carried in the bottom of said tray for delivering light in a third spectral range in a direction below said tray, and control means operatively connected with said chamber for selectively controlling the light means whereby a plurality of biological experiments can be performed simultaneously, the interior surfaces of said walls are formed of light-reflective material.
 2. The structure of claim 1 in which said fluorescent light means are provided with ballast means for heating said chamber.
 3. The structure of claim 2 in which said panel is provided with airflow apertures.
 4. The structure of claim 1 in which said tray is provided with an upstanding perimetric lip forming sides enclosing said light tubes. 